GLASGOW’S HOGMANAY

There's only one thing Glaswegians like better than a party, and that's a party at Hogmanay. This year’s celebrations in Glasgow are party-tastic, with free performances happening over six stages in George Square and the Merchant City, and one ticketed event, Pure at The Fruitmarket. With more DJs, bands and performers than you can shake a bit of shortbread at, Glasgow's Hogmanay is sure to be a great way to kick off the new year. Words: Peter Ross

GEORGE SQUARE

Geor e Square is the place to let the goo times roll, with a programme of upbeat, no messing, mad for it acts performing between 10pm and 12.45am over two stages. Stay in George Square for the countdown to the Bells, followed by a spectacular firework display.

MAIN STAGE

(‘omcdians \'i\ (ice and Jill Peacock \y ill he the hostesses \s ith the mostest for the Main Stage.

Wigwam Bamz l().l() l().35pm. (ilam- ham-thank-you-ma'am. (ilasgoyy ‘s most glittery three-piece kick off proceedings hy hanging out tracks from the likes of Slade. Boys ie and T—Rex. lixpect had

14 THE “ST 19 Dec 1997 —- 8 Jan 1998

eye makeup and platform hoots. Carwash 10.45 I l.l()pm. 'l'he decade that style forgot gets the trihute treatment from this six—piece disco hand \y’lto Coy er the hits of Rose Royce. Sister Sledge and Kool And The (iang. White flare-tastic? The ABBA Experience I l.3() l ISSpm. Altogether noyy: 'See that girl/Watch that scene/Dig it/l‘he Dancing ()ueen.‘ All the nu} from Syseden. \ ia lidinhurgh. 'I‘he ABBA lixperiencc perform all your faye Nordic numhers in authentic spaneg costume.

The Bunny Boys 12.10 12.15am. .‘s'o matter lioyy hot the soundtrack. Decemher seems a little chilly for getting your kit off. But that “out stop The Bunny Boys, (ilasgov. ‘s chip-guz/ling answer to The I'll/l .llmrly. who are made up of inemhers too-er?) from performance art group Mischief La-Bas.

Elvis has swept the building

Swede tooth: the cheesy grinning Abba Experience

The PICtS 13.15 12.50am. :\ collision hetyyeen ceilidh music and good old- fashioned rock. The I’icts are guaranteed to get your feet a-stoinpin' and your

hands a-clappin'. eyen if the cold \seather

gets your nose a-runnin‘. Blue face-paint optional.

CHRISTMAS TREE STAGE SheBoom I Hi) I 1.20pm. liifty -piecc. all-female percussion collective. mixing up (‘eltic. .-\fro-Brazilian. Latin and samha rhythms to get ya hooty shakin'. SheBoom collahorated \\ ith the Pet Shop Boys for the Bilingual alhuin. See l’ink Stage.

Gutty Slippers 10.35 10.45pm. 'l‘rad Scots music meets rock ’n' roll meets a \‘i\ id imagination. Bring your dancing shoes and a sense of humour.

The Elvis Cleaning Company Who hetter to take a hrush to the mess of llogntanay's festiyities than the king of rock 'n' roll'.’ Let the lilyis (‘leaning (‘otnpany' s\\ cep you into the neu year. .-\ppearing throughout the eyening.

MIDNIGHT FIREWORKS

the Suh (‘luh.

fired from the roof of(ilasgo\\ ('ity ('hainhers at midnight,

THE CITY OF GLASGOW PIPES AND DRUMS

(letting you into patriotic mood. the tartan troopers \\ ill he playing from lllpm in (ieorge Square. hcforc marching doyy n to (ilasgoyy ('ross for midnight.

If you can shake a leg to it, it's probably on one of the Merchant City stages. From hip hop to techno to commercial dance, it’s happening on Hogmanay from 9pm-1 am.

HIP HOP STAGE

Bargo, Albion Street

Phar Out ‘) Illpln. l’attl ('ayy ley 's l’har ()ul organisation \y ere among the first to promote drum 'n' hass in (ilasgoys. haying put on nights \s ith the legendary likes of [If] Bukem and Kemistry and Storm. I’har ()tit haye also enjoyed residencies at (ilasgoyy School of .-\rt and

rdsg'Mii‘givniia-‘Gallerics. Virginia

Gigs" ow 91.451552. 579 i; Ripping " "page, Edinburgh.